Had I predicted the Colorado Rockies to lead the National League West heading into the second week of May, I would have correspondingly forecasted the team’s best pitcher, Ubaldo Jimenez, to be at the top of his game. Jimenez carried the team in the first stretch of 2010, piling up a record of 6-1 by this time last season, and sat at 15-1 by the All Star break (USA Today). But so far this year, that player has yet to show up, leading the Denver Post’s Mark Kiszla to list Jimenez among the worst pitchers making regular starts in the National League.

Just yesterday, Jimenez allowed five earned runs in a wet and chilly 9-5 loss to the Mets at Coors Field, bringing the Rockies’ 37-day run at the top of the division to a close. But Jimenez isn’t the only one reeling. The Rox are a disappointing 8-14 since their 11-2 start and now have three straight series losses at Coors Field (Post). The San Diego Padres come to town today for a series that gives Colorado a chance to bounce back. The offense is starting to creep into the Rockies lineup (they piled up nine hits, including two home runs, in yesterday’s loss), and the Padres’ probable starting pitcher gave up six runs and seven hits in his last start (CBS Sports).